"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". This quote holds true regarding both your oral and total body health. Our goal is to combine excellent professional preventative dentistry (regular exams, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatment, sealants) with excellent home care routines to promote superior oral and total body health.

Clinical research in the past few years has confirmed that your mouth is a window into the health of your entire body. Oral disease plays a major role in systemic health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies and even adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Kansas Dental Center and the American Dental Association recommend at least 2 bi-annual dental exams and professional cleanings for the healthy patient, although individual needs are diverse. The frequency of regular preventative dental visits should be tailored on an individual basis to accommodate one's unique oral health status, risk factors and overall health history.

Here are some strategies you can use now to help maintain excellent oral health and avoid dental problems:

Brush for 2 minutes 2 times daily. Time is important, frothing up that toothpaste for 20 seconds, then promptly rinsing isn't going to cut it. Spend 30 seconds brushing each quarter of your mouth for a total of 2 minutes 2 times daily.

Floss at least once a day. Twice, even better. There is a lot of surface area between your teeth where the bristles of your toothbrush cannot reach. Getting cavities in-between your teeth and chronically bleeding, inflamed gums are common results of not flossing enough.

Limit unhealthy in-between meal snacking and sipping of beverages other than water. Sipping on acidic beverages (soda, drinks with artificial sweetener, energy or sports drinks) throughout the day or snacking on foods that contain simple carbohydrates can decalcify tooth structure and fuel acid producing bacteria that cause cavities. In between meals, sip on water! Try to snack on fresh vegetables between meals.

Quit smoking or the use of smokeless tobacco products. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease as well as increases your risk for oral cancer. Ask about tobacco cessation programs, over the counter products, or prescription medications that can help you quit smoking for good. Smokefree.gov is another resource to help you quit today.